Transitional design tops new trends survey

Transitional — described as a marriage between traditional and contemporary — is the top style in kitchen design, according to the 2016 Design Trends Survey from the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

Traditional and contemporary finished second and third in the annual survey, while industrial and farmhouse were also recognized as the most popular design choices by NKBA members.

Neutral colors — including whites, off-whites, gray and beige — are most often specified, according to the survey results. Most of today’s kitchens feature two or more colors, including the cabinets. And most customers choose two countertop materials — one for under cabinets and a second for an island.

Strong demand continues for outdoor kitchens. About half of respondents said they completed an outdoor kitchen project in 2015 and expect to do another one this year.

The most popular kitchen features include pullout shelves, garbage disposals, built-in coffee stations and wet bars. A wine fridge was considered a must by almost three-quarters of the respondents.

An emerging trend is to include a dedicated space for pets, including a feeding station, area for a crate and storage for food.

Wood flooring, charging stations and pocket doors also received a significant number of votes.